{{ propApi.searchIcon }}
{{ propApi.closeIcon }}
Our industry
Our industry $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Housing industry insights Economics Insights Data & forecasts Tailored research & analysis Advocacy & policy Advocacy Policy priorities Position statements Submissions News & inspiration Industry news Member alerts Media releases HOUSING Online
Business support
Business support $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
For your business Contracts Online Safety systems & solutions HIA SafeScan Member perks Toyota vehicles The Good Guys Commercial Ampol fuel savings See all Industry insurance HIA Insurance Services Construction works insurance Home warranty insurance Tradies & tool insurance Apprentices Why host a HIA apprentice? Hire an apprentice Value for money Support & guidance Contracts & compliance support Building & planning services Australian Standards
Resources & advice
Resources & advice $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Building it right Building codes National Construction Code Australian standards Getting it right on site See all Building materials & products Concrete, bricks & walls Getting products approved Use the right products for the job See all Managing your business Dealing with contracts Handling disputes Managing your employees See all Managing your safety Safety rules Working with silica See all Building your business Growing your business Communication for your business See all Other subjects Getting approval to build Sustainable homes See all
Careers & learning
Careers & learning $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
A rewarding career Become an apprentice Apprenticeships on offer How do I apply? Frequently asked questions Study with us Find a course to suit you Qualification courses Learning on demand Professional development courses A job in the industry Get your builder's licence Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Further your career
HIA community
HIA community $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Grow with us Sign me up Become a member Member benefits Mates rates Our podcasts Made To Build Built Different HIA Building Australia Building the Hunter Our initiatives HIA Building Women Charitable Foundation GreenSmart Kitchen, bathroom & design hub Get involved Become an award judge Join a committee Meet our members Partner with us
Awards & events
Awards & events $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Awards program People & Business Awards GreenSmart Australian Housing Awards Awards winners Regional Award winners Australian Housing Award winners 2026 Australian Home of the Year Industry events Events in the next month Economic outlook National Conference Events calendar
HIA shop
HIA shop $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Most popular products National Construction Code Vol 1 & 2 Waterproofing wet areas AS 3740:2021 HIA Guide to Waterproofing HIA Guide to NCC Livable Housing Provisions Top categories Building codes & standards Contracts & documents Guides & manuals Safety products Signage For your business Contracts Online Digital Australian Standards Digital Resource Library Forecasts & data
About Contact Newsroom
$vuetify.icons.faTimes
$vuetify.icons.faMapMarker Set my location Use the field below to update your location
Address
Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change location

$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

Uptick in approvals a positive step toward meeting Tasmania’s housing needs

Media release

Uptick in approvals a positive step toward meeting Tasmania’s housing needs

Media release
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has welcomed the latest ABS building approvals data for Tasmania, which shows a strong monthly increase in detached house approvals.

In July, detached house approvals rose by 48.4 per cent compared to the previous month, indicating a potential turning point for the residential construction sector.

“This is a positive sign for an industry that has faced a challenging environment over the past year,” said Benjamin Price, HIA Executive Director – Tasmania. “However, it’s important to recognise that this growth comes off a low base, and overall approval volumes remain below long-term averages.”

Tasmania has historically averaged around 2,940 new housing approvals per year since the 1980s. In the twelve months to July 2025, approvals totalled just 2,360 – nearly 600 homes below the average.

“This gap highlights the ongoing need to boost housing supply to meet demand across the state,” Mr Price said. “The impacts of undersupply are being felt in rising rents, limited availability, and affordability pressures for both buyers and renters.”

With the 2025 state election now concluded, HIA is calling for a renewed focus on housing delivery.

“The election confirmed that housing is front of mind for Tasmanians,” Mr Price said. “Now is the time for government and industry to work together to get homes planned, approved and built.”

Sustained growth in approvals will require ongoing support through policy and planning reform.

“Unlocking land, streamlining planning systems, and ensuring builders have access to skilled labour and materials are all critical,” Mr Price said. “We also need to ensure regional areas are part of the solution.”

HIA also welcomed the Tasmanian Government’s commitment during the recent election to increase the First Home Owners Grant to $30,000 for those who build their first home.

“This is a practical measure that supports supply by encouraging new construction and helping first home buyers enter the market,” Mr Price said. “It’s one of several policy settings that, when implemented, can help lift approvals closer to long-term average levels.”

“As we move forward, the focus must remain on enabling supply and supporting delivery,” Mr Price said. “The residential building industry is ready to play its part.”

For more information please contact:

Benjamin Price

Executive Director - Tasmania
Latest articles
View all news $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
14 Jul
Update on recent HIA advocacy activities

Over the past few weeks HIA has been advocating strongly on behalf of members on a range of policy and regulatory issues that have significant implications for housing supply, business confidence and the capacity of our industry to deliver the homes Australia needs.

14 Jul
Tasmanian builders shouldn't be shut out of housing work over union membership

The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has today written to the Tasmanian Government calling for a commitment that state-funded and state-partnered housing work will continue to be awarded on merit, not industrial arrangements, warning new federal procurement rules could shrink the pool of builders able to deliver the homes Tasmania needs.

13 Jul
Rushing Working from Home laws will only lead to more bungling

The Victorian Government continues to push ahead with its Working from Home laws despite the Housing Industry Association’s (HIA) call for it to abandon its proposed legislation, warning the changes would impose additional regulatory pressure on businesses already struggling and kill productivity.

13 Jul
Hobart named Australia's most restrictive city for planning

Hobart has been identified as the most restrictive capital city in Australia for planning, according to the Australian Zoning Atlas, which found 97 per cent of the city's residential land is subject to restrictions that limit new housing.